Residents in a quiet street in Girton are upset their homes are earmarked for demolition as part of redevelopment plans.

Girton Town Charity (GTC) plan to build 12 to 15 'state-of-the-art' almshouses on the St Michael's Close site, which currently houses six 1930s-60s build bungalows rented out at a subsidised rate.

The charity say these will be architect-designed and purpose-built homes for village residents aged 55 plus with independent, flexible living space, appropriate technology and a range of shared facilities.

Existing renters, however are not impressed by the proposals, claiming they have been left in the dark about where they will be rehoused, with one elderly resident left fearful and unable to sleep.

A relative of the elderly resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I don't think they [Girton Town Charity] are acting responsibly. There's been no consultation. I feel they want to push it all through before it becomes general knowledge.

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"It intends to move the residents to temporary homes whilst the re-development takes place, for them to be moved again once it has been completed. The time frame is not known. This will surely affect their mental health and wellbeing.

"One of the bungalows still has the original 1960's kitchen, which is shocking and negligent on the part of the Charity and it has not been decorated or re-carpeted for years, despite the tenant asking for this to be done at every yearly inspection."

St Michaels Close, Girton

She also expressed concern about the future of a three legged cat, whom the elder residents have had the pleasure of doting on.

"Although the Charity has a 'no pets' policy, there is an elderly and resident cat, Smoky, who has spent most of his life living in St. Michael's Close," she said. "What will happen to this dear little cat if the proposed re-development goes ahead?"

"I feel people of a certain age are afraid to speak up and they never have a voice.

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Meanwhile the charity says the six existing bungalows in Michael’s Close will need to be demolished as they no longer provide the high standard of accommodation it wishes to offer to residents, both in terms of comfort, energy-efficiency and modern facilities.

The charity said the bungalow residents were informed of this development during summer 2016 and given a letter outlining the likely outcome of the situation and they reassured them that they will be moved to appropriate housing in due course.

But for concerned resident Michael McKay, 63, the correspondence has not been enough.

He said: "First correspondence informed us that the charity was considering the developing St Michaels Close and please not communicate these intentions.

"Secondary answers to my request for clarification informed me that a meeting at the end of June would give the residents more clarity.

"As such we read in the Girton Parish News of the intentions with temporary relocation and then a limbo situation with the inability to improve our properties and lack of communication is difficult to ascertain the future."

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However the charity are adamant the are doing everything they do all they can to offer reassurance.

Ann Bonnett of GTC said: “We understand that residents will be concerned about the redevelopment in Michael’s Close and are doing everything we can to ensure that they are looked after throughout the transitional process. For those who can live independently, they will be assured of a place in the new development.

“We told residents before any plans were made public and will keep them fully informed of progress and timeframes.

“Ensuring they are rehoused in accommodation that is appropriate for their age and stage is of paramount importance to us, including provision for pets where required.”